Study Abroad 2009

Cote d Azur

2009-07-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

Bonjour and hello from Antibes`! This is our third dqy in the south of france and I think we are in love! We had a wonderful few days hiking in the cinque terre and eating gelato twice a day. Things are going well here. We spent yesterday in Nice and today will be a beach day in the morning and tonight we are going to Monaco. Tomorrow we reserved a spot on a boat trip to St. Tropez. I am keeping up my Grecian tan and Linds is building her tan. We can`t believe we only have a few days left. Paris on Monday and then home on Friday. Definately loving a slower paced few days here in the Riviera. It`s a nive break from the crazy tour schedule we have had!

Alpine Air

2009-07-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello from Interlacken, Switzerland! Lindsay and I just got back from a day spent in the Lauderbrunnen Valley in the Swiss Alps! The mountains are absolutely georgeous. The past few days were spend finishing up Germany in Rothenburg, the cutest little medieval village ever, and Reutte. We got to see "mad" king ludwigs castles (which were the ones that disney based their castle off of). irt was incredible and so beautifully decorated and designed. The weather was also beautiful. We also got in a great 3 h ourhike in the austrailian Alps, which were the most beauti^ful mountains i have ever seen (until i got to switzerland yesterday). Last night we were tired froma lioong day on the train but we found Balmers hostel in interlacken which was like being back at a college frat party. it was canada day so we got to have some fun celebrating their independence day. Switzerland is wonderful, but we were a little shocked at how expensive it is here. We hit up the local co-op today and will be making our own dinner tonight. The next 2 days here we will hike around the mountains and take in the fresh alpine air. Then on July 5th we are so excited for Cinqe Terre. I can`t believe our trip is halfway over... it is just flying by.

Rainy Munich!

2009-06-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

Hello from Munich! A lot has happened since my last posting. We left Vienna (where we both want to return) and traveled to Halstatt, the most beautiful small town I have ever been to. It was so relaxing and quiet after a couple big cities. We stayed at a really cute Zimmer (or guesthouse) where we got to have breakfast every morning with a man wearing Lederhosen and playing Austrian music. It was quiet and our room had a balcony right on the lake. We got to do a wonderful hike up the the salt mine, which Halstatt is famous for. We enjoyed sitting on our balcany, breathing in the fresh Alpine air, and watching the swans swim by in the lake. Unfortunately this is where the weather turned downhill. It has rained everyday since we left Halstatt and trraveled to Salzberg. Salzberg was still beautiful, however. We did the Sound of Music tour where we hopped up the Do Ray Mi steps, danced across the fountain, and leaped arond the famous I am 16 Going on 17 gazeebo. We were in a minibus which was a great way to keep warm and dry. We still managed to see almost everything we wanted to though. Just some of the great views were a little grayer than we would have liked. We stayed at anohter reallly cute guesthouse just outside the city complete with farm fresh breakfast. (The family even had their own tractor). Rick Steves has not led us astray yet! Now we are in Munich and spent most of the day exploring the city and keeping dry in the beer halls. We both love Munich already and can't wait to see what this beautiful city has to offer.

Vienna... Wein

2009-06-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Vienna by train last night after a 5 hour train ride. After a day exploring I already love Austria more than Prage. It is beautiful. We explored the Opera today and found out a lot about the Habsburg family. We toured thweir royal palace and their crypts. We hiked up the 325 stairs to the highest tower of St. Stephens cathedral and ate the most amazing chocolate cake at the world famous Sache Hotel Cafe. We are having so much fun and are now getting ready to head off to the suburbs of the cvity to the Wine district. We are going to have dinner and drinks at Vienese Wine Gardens. We are taking lots of pictures and I am even starting to get Lindsay up to speed on how to use her camera. We got to talk to mom and dad last night for a short time which was really great. Next we have to figure out where Lindsay can buy some Leiderhosen!

Czech out Prague!

2009-06-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

So I know the title of this is cheesey, but I just had to. Don't worry... I won't be buying one of the Czech me out t-shirts. So, eurotrip 2009 has officially begun! Just finishede our second full day in Prague and we are exhausted. Lindsay and I met up in the prague airport on Sunday night with out any problems. We then draged our tired bodies to our hostel and crashed after a traditional Czech dinner filed with lots of meat and dumplings. Monday morning we woke up to find our 12 bedroom hostel room filled with all boys and us. Definately different than living in a sorrority! We saw the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castles, Old Town Square, and the Little Quarter. Prague is such a beautiful city and so refreshing after the past few days in Athens. The night ended with a stop at the beer gardens and we also made friends with some people in the bar at our hostel where we played some American drinking games. Today we explored the Jewish Quarter and learned a lot about Prague's history. We also went to the Czech Cubist Museum whic was a highlight of the day.We walked around new Prague and did a littke window shopping on high street. We had a wonderful dinner and then went to a Black Light Theatre show. That was a one of a kind experience to say the least. We lovePrague and will do a little more sightseeing before heading to Vienna tomorrow!

Time with the Rents

2009-06-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

So I apologize for the lack of entries. Internet access has been sparse and we have been busy being hte ultimate tourists. The past week was spent in Santorini, Crete, and now Athens. Everything has gone splendidly well and all the reservations and accomodations have been flawless (well almost). Our only hiccup was arriving in Santorini at midnight and getting to our hotel with no one there. Luckily mom and dad thought it wise to keep my Greek cell phone and we were able to reach hotel staff and get let into our room. We spent one day in Santorini walking from Thira to Oia (6 miles) along the rim of the volcano and had breath-taking views followed by a gorgeous sunset. The nest day we explored another part of the island (well mainly the black sand beach). Santorini had a lot more to offer than I thought after my previous visit. That afternoon we took a hight speed ferry to Crete. Why haven't I been traveling high speed this whole time! It was amazingly fast, almost like a train. It was a perfect way for me to end my time ferries (I've been on approximately 17 ferries since March). Crete was my favorite island with my parents. We sent a day exploring (and driving to) Chania. This was a very cute little city on the water that reminded me of Venice without the canals. Dad had one of the best meals of his time here there at breakfast (a 2 pound omelet) and was full for the rest of the day. We spent the rest of our time in Crete split between the beach and ruins like the Palace of Knossos. We also got a chance to see Alounda, a town that we all agreed we would like to stay in next time if we stayed in Crete for longer. Our accommodations in Crete were the most interesting. We are now really appreciating the Marriot here in Athens. In particular I am enjoying it and Starbucks as a little taste of home before I begin my hostel tour of central Europe. Athens has been fun but hot and we definitely have gotten our fill of ruins. Mom is in love with the Parthenon and we enjoy going to the roof at night to see it lit up.

From the Blue Star 2

2009-06-05T09:03:00.001-07:00

I am writing this latest entry while on the the Blue Star Ferry from Rodos to Santorini. I said a tearful goodbye to Paros on June 1 and have spent the last 4 days in Rhodes with my parents. Everything has gone very well. Our resort was beautiful, and nestled above a beautiful swimming bay where we enjoyed the Aegean Sea daily. We rented a car and got to see most of the island... even the dirt back-country roads (on accident). We explored the LIndos Acropolis, various ancient castles, and the old town in the city of Rodos. We also caught some rays on some outstanding beaches. Now a 7 hour ferry ride to Santorini for the 2 days. I am excited to see a different side of Santorini with my parents. I absolutely love traveling with my parents (they spoil me after I have been traveling on a student budget) but, I cant wait for Lindsay to meet me in Prague in only a week!

Safe Arrival

2009-05-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

So just a quick update for the family members. My parents arrived here last night after roughly 30 hours of travel exhausted but excited. After a nice dinner at one of my favorite local Greek restaurants (where Marios the owner greeted them with a shot Ouzo) they hit the hay. We will most likely be on the beach today and then we have my art show tonight. I am so excited for the next 2 weeks with them, but I can't believe these are my last few days on Paros!

Loose Ends

2009-05-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

So I can't believe how fast this semester has flown by! My parents get here in 10 days to see the final art show and then to help me move out of Paros and begin my real travels. It seems like only a few weeks ago were my first on Paros. I thought I'd give everyone an itinerary of where I'll be once my program ends because my I will only have sporadic access to the internet once I leave.

May 29- June 1 my parents arrive here for the end of my program

June 1 -5 Rhodos

June 5-7 Snatorini

June 7 -10 travel to Crete (Heraklion)

June 10-14 Fly back to Athens to explore the mainland for a few days

June 14 parents fly home and I fly to Prague where I meet my sister Lindsay

June 14-17 Prague, Czech Republic

June 17-20 VIenna, Austria

June 20-22 Hallstatt, Austria

June 22-24 Salzburg, Austria

June 24-27 Munich, Germany

June 27-28 Rothenburg, Germany

June 28-July 1 Bavaria/Tirol (FUSSEN, GERMANY & REUTTE, AUSTRIA)

July 1-4 Berner Oberland, Switzerland (staying in Muren)

July 4-5 Interlacken/Lauterbrun Valley

July 5-8 Cinque Terre, Italy

July 8-13 French Riviera (NICE, MONACO, ANTIBES, ST. TROPEZ, CANNES)

July 12-17 Paris, France

I will be back in the States on July 17 completely exhausted.

Santorini

2009-05-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I spent 3 days and 2 nights on the beautiful Santorini. The 4 hour boat trip there went by quickly because it was supplemented with a few bottles of champagne for mimosas. Once the boat pulled up to the port I could see why everyone talks about Santorini. The way everything is built on the rim if the volcano is mind boggling. The first night there was very exciting. Our group was excited to test out the night life on the tourist trap of an island, and it provided a great time. It was fun to experience a place with so many people after sleepy Paros. We took a boat tour on Saturday to the caldera and walked around, it was so much bigger than I had expected. We also went to the hot springs and another small island off the main part of the island. The boat then let us of in Oia, the other city. I enjoyed Oia much more as it is a smaller city, and a little less hectic. Along the coast about a 5 minute walk from the port is a beautiful little lagoon where an old church has broken away from the rim that provided cliff jumping. The water was so beautiful, blue, and refreshing. After left the grueling task of climbing the 280 stairs back up the rim to town. It was exhausting! I can't imagine having to make that trek everytime I wanted to leave the island. Until recently, that donkey path was the only was on and off the island. That night we had dinner in Oia where we watched the gorgeous sunset.

Antiparos

2009-05-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend our program took a journey to our neighboring island, Antiparos. I was BEAUTIFUL. Though it is so close, it has an entirely different feel. We got to see the uninhabited island of Despotico as well and some great ruins on it. We walked through this amazing field of wildflowers and go to go swimming around the sea caves. Also, for my historical sites class I gave a presentation with 2 others girls on the history and myths about this small island. It consisted of a finger puppet show and a rap. It was quite the presentation.

A Little Taste of Boulder

2009-05-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

This past week Danielle and I hosted some visitors from another study abroad program In southern France (one that also goes to boulder). We rented a car and discovered another beautiful beach on Paros, Santa Maria. The weather couldn't have been better. I definitely got started on my tan finally. I was so good to have a little taste of home, but it made me miss Boulder. Paros is starting to pick up, everyday more and more tourists can be spotted around town. I can't believe my program is almost done, I never want to leave!

Greek Orthodox Easter

2009-04-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

After arriving back in Greece Good Friday, I hardly caught my breath before I was entangled in Easter festivities (hence the delay in blog postings). The sleepy island town I left for Turkey has blossomed and exploded with crowds and sunlight. Paros had awoken at last. Don't get me wrong, it still does not compare to the Paros of high season, but the greek island vacation I was promised in the program brochure has finally arrived. Easter in Greece is a much different experience than in the States. Friday night I went to the Church of 100 Doors where I got to witness the magnificent decorations and later in the night the whole town was out for a candle lit procession. Saturday was spent on the beach but at midnight I joined the rest of the island to bring in Easter amidst bells ringing, fireworks, kisses, and candles. It was amazing to see everyone old and young out to celebrate Easter. Although I followed that with sleep, the rest of the town began the eat-a-thon. I delayed that ritual until the next day when my landlord had a beautiful lamb dinner on the roof of my apartment building. The day then brought multiple parties where I got to witness a lamb on the spit as well as pork and rabbit. The Greeks love their meat.

Turkey

2009-04-20T01:24:00.000-07:00

First I want to apologize for the lack of recent entries. Things have been crazy around here, and I have a lot to update. This past week I spent in Selcuk Turkey for spring break. It was an amazing week. Turkey is so different from Europe, it made me appreciate western culture and women's' rights. It was also so beautiful. Rolling hills, views of the ocean, and gorgeous flowers were just some of the beauty I experienced. Also, our group spent a day at the Pammukale calcium baths. They are an entire mountain made of calcium that is stark white with natural pools that have formed in it that you explore in your bare feet. It was a surreal experience to be swimming in a bathing suit on this white mountain that looks like it is covered in snow, and then to have giant mountains in the background that have snow topped peaks. Another day was spent in an old Greek village (remember the west coast of Turkey used to be Greece) called Sirince where we spent an afternoon wine tasting and getting to know the locals. They specialize in delicious fruit wines. Another highlight was Ephesus. It is an ancient site 6km inland that used to be a port town when the sea level was higher. It featured some of the most amazing ruins that I have ever seen. The entire town is massive and they have only excavated a small portion of it. It featured a marvelous amphitheater that was so perfectly constructed that you can hear a coin drop at the floor in the highest seat (and it holds over 25,000 people) and a beautiful three story library. In Selcuk we got to experience the local bazar. Full of spices, teas, pashminas, clothing, and every imaginable fruit/vegetable it was a sight. It was so cool to see the whole town out for it. I of course spent a good amount of time shopping. The exchange was was too good to pass up after dealing with the euro for so long. Many nights were spent drinking tea, smoking hookah, and learning to play backgammon in the rug shops. As much fun as I had, it is good to be in Greece again. Paros is really starting to fee like home.

Naxos

2009-04-06T04:26:00.001-07:00

Visitors

2009-03-30T01:09:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure this past week of having my best friend from home Amanda come visit me. The week flew by, I didn't even have time to post any pictures or write for the past week. We rented a car and toured the island one day and we went for a long hike with my program saturday as well. It was so good o have her here and have a taste of home. Iwas sad to see the week fly by so quickly.

Reverence

2009-03-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

For one of my classes I was assigned to visit the Church of 100 doors and reflect on my experience there. Bellow are my initial reactions taken while at the church that better explains this magnificent space than I could retell. The Church of 100 Doors is the oldest on Paros and has a lot of myths that accompany its creation.

" Walking into the courtyard, before even entering the church is awe-inspiring. The beautiful garden envelopes my senses with brilliants colors and foliage. It gives me a sense of the churches hospitality and open mindedness. It is like even though I am not Greek Orthodox, the space here is open for all types of believers. It is Sunday and once inside, the church is a party (even though there is a service going on). Children scampering in and out of the exit are filled with impatience while blind to the disapproving looks of their parents. My ears are then greeted with the sounds of prayer bellowing down the aisle and through the apse and nave. Everyone around me is dressed in their Sunday best, a symbol I take to mark their reverence for both God and their neighbor. Although I can’t understand the service, I can feel it. There is both worship and enjoyment in the faces of those around me. After the last versus are sung the service lets out and I am surrounded by Greek words of greeting and kisses because everyone seems to know one another. The demure demeanor some kids managed to hold through the mass begins to slip away, and I can see their eyes plead with their mothers to let them run around again. I sit removed from the bustling crowd exiting and I start to feel as if I am interrupting something. I’m sure some of them are wondering what two American girls watching and writing are doing. If I ever wondered where the Greeks are on Sunday’s, my answer is clear. Here at the church of 100 doors the old and young converge, a community united for the purpose of prayer."

Exhilaration

2009-03-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today my historical sites class went on the most amazing hike on Paros. We climbed up the mountain to the site of the Paroikian Acropolis. After we followed the coast on the Western tip of the island up to a meadow were we munched on our sack lunches. We then continued along the coast to an old lighthouse on the point and then finally back to an old monastery were we climbed on the roof for another wonderful site. I honestly cannot express how beautiful this all was, and the pictures wont do it justice. This all took about 5 hours and I am now energized and exhilarated despite being tired from the workout.

Exposure

2009-03-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

For my photography class we had to do a triptych exploring exposure, shooting images that are under exposed, over exposed, and are balanced. Here is a little sample of what I turned in (by popular demand). I also had to explore depth of field (as evidenced by the first triptych). Clearly I'm at the beginning of my digital photo education, and I hope my work gets better as I learn here.

Indescribable

2009-03-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this picture of the best sunset i have seen since I arrived on Paros. This was taken from the Barry's (the director of my program) house in the mountains where we had a group BBQ Saturday. I hear the sunsets only get better and better, I can't imagine anything more beautiful than this. My camera struggled to capture all the marvelous colors, and still it failed to capture the brilliance of the reds, oranges, and yellows.

Picking up speed

2009-03-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

Time here is really flying by. I am finally into all of my classes and I am starting to see that art school is a lot of work. I have already finished one book and I have many readings and responses ahead of me. My professors have begun to share some of their art with me and I am so impressed by how talented they all are. I am getting used to the gorgeous sunsets every night. I also am finding out that I am a cook. I have been experimenting for the first time with providing for myself. There is no chef like at the sorority house or my mom to make me dinners. It's funny how you learn the things you can't live without. I have walked 45 minutes to the international store for salsa and black beans (which come dry). They will be put to good use because tonight we are making mexican food and crystal lite margaritas. Tomorrow we are taking out first hike up to my program directors house where we will be having a family barbecue. As strange as such a small program is after CU, it really is like a family. There are many opportunities to do things together and I am enjoying that while I am so far from home.

Rainy days...

2009-03-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

It's rainy and cold today on Paros. Rain is something I've grown quite accustomed to in Europe and had hoped I would be leaving behind on the mainland. However, it makes today wonderfully lazy. I get to catch up on some reading (my literature class is asking I finish our first book by Friday) and blogging. I even just got to try out the drink vending machine in the lobby (complete with cappuccinos, hot chocolate, beer, and snickers among other things). If the weather holds up a few of us girls may try to catch a soccer game between some of the island teams. I can't believe my first week in Greece has come and gone in the blink of an eye. Things are starting to fall into place, and my days now have some semblance of order to them. I don't seem to be busy but it seems that the only a few moments are I finish breakfast its already time for dinner. Time here is a funny thing. I'm sure it will be June before I know it and it pains me to know that my time here is going to pass by far too quickly.

Yesterday half my school went on an island tour. We got to see some of the other small towns and a bit of the country side. This is a beautiful time in Paros. The hills are green and the flowers are a to bloom. I am told that in the summer everything is just dusty and the island is covered with marble dust. It makes me appreciate the beauty of my surroundings even more. We stopped by a small monastery outside of Lefkeys where they were celebrating their name day. In Greece they don't really celebrate Birthdays, but rather name days as a tribute to their patron Saint. This monastery invited us inside for a drink of Uzzo (Greek wine that tastes like black licorice) and some candied fruits. It as interesting to see nuns in their traditional black garb. They were so kind and welcoming as I have found everyone on the island. It is the lowest time of the season on Paros and its almost lonely here. The presence of our school gives the bars and cafes new and excited customers. Everyone is thrilled we have arrived. Danielle and I are going to later head back to Mojo, a cafe by the school. The owner promised us yesterday she would be making some of her famous chocolate cake for us to try. That is tempting enough to brave the weather outside. I a excited for the remaining 2 classes this week that I have not had yet. Each day is continues to bring something new.

Paros

2009-03-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

"Where you have more time to do more, or more time to do less"- Victoria, my Greek professor. This quote pretty much sums up life in Paros. I have only been able to but watch in awe these past few days and marvel at the life here. Greek life here is so authentic and pure and genuine. It is the end of my second day and I can only say I am blessed, privileged, and deliriously happy. I just finished another long dinner with five other girls from my program where we nearly finished 3 bottles of wine. I am finally settled in my beautiful studio apartment complete with 2 twin beds, a kitchenette, bathroom, desk, and balcony. It is spacious and beautiful (bigger than my room in the sorority but it's a single!). I signed up for my classes today. I added classes that I wasn't planning on taking because they sounded so fantastic. The teachers are passionate about their subjects and all of the students seem eager to learn. I honestly can't wait to start classes tomorrow. Last night there was a big welcome dinner with more amazing food. I'm proud of myself already for branching out and trying new things (like chick peas) already. From the rooftop cafe of our building you can see the water (we are only about a block away). I just keep pinching myself because I can;t believe this is real. Both days have been sunny and warm... it's picturesque. I cannot wait for Amanda (my best friend) to arrive and eventually my parents because I want to share my good fortune with everyone.

From hotel dioskorous...

2009-03-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hello from Athens! So I am finally here in Greece and I am so excited I can hardly wait to make it to Paros. First, a little recap of Amsterdam. Amsterdam was a whirlwind of excitement and adventures with 6 others girls form Boulder. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful city and all of its eccentricities. I enjoyed the Heineken Brewing Factory and had an eye opening experience walking the red light district. The final day we were there we went to the Anne Frank House and it was one of the most humbling and daunting experiences I have ever had. Due to the serious and somber nature of the museum not pictures were allowed, but it was so incredible. We also enjoyed lots of ethnic food from that international city. It was probably some of the best Thai and Indian food I have ever had. The entire town was so cute and everyone seemed to laid back and happy. As an American I finally felt welcome (especially after Paris). It was so good to see my friends from school, it was definitely a little taste of home being with them there.

So after a long day of travel I am finally in Greece. I have started meeting some of the other students in my program. I found out my program has 30 students (28 girls and 2 boys). Everyone seems super nice. They are from all over the US and are mostly art students this far which should be really fun. We went out to dinner tonight and I got a first little taste of Greek food. We are all anxious and excited to get to our island though. We will explore Athens a bit tomorrow and then Tuesday morning (early!) we take the boat to Paros. My next update will finally be form my island. I can't wait!

greece here I come...

2009-02-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

No time for an update on Amsterdam, that will have to come later. As I write, I am waiting for my airport shuttle to start of my last trip to Athens. I will be on the mainland for a few days and then finally go to the island, Paros were I will study.

Amsterdam

2009-02-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

We took a train today to Amsterdam and met up with three of our friends from Chi O, Ali, Gabby, and Ilyse. We explored some of the city and had an amazing dinner at a Thai restaurant. Amsterdam is super cute and a very charming city. Tomorrow two more girl Caily and Casey are meeting us here. We plan on going to the Van Goug museum and the Heinekin factory. We are here until Saturday when we take hte train back to Paris to then catch a plane Sunday morning to Athens. I am loving all this travel, but I really can´t wait to get to Greece and settle down without living out of a suitcase. Well it´s almost 230AM here so I am super tired and ready for bed.

meric beaucoup!

2009-02-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Another few days have flown by and I can't believe my time in Paris is over. Tomorrow morning we leave for Amsterdam where Danielle and I will meet up with our friends, Ilyse, Gaby, Ali, and Diana. Some of the highlights of Paris have included the Eifle tower, Seine river cruise, and the Orsay Museum. I have taken over 250 pictures and I can't even get my head around all that I've seen. I have tried to pretend that jetlag doesn't exist for the past few days and it is starting to catch up with me, I am wiped out. It seems now that I finally have gotten the hang of the underground, a bit of the language, and the city its time to leave. It does make me excited to com back to Paris in the summer when it is warmer and a little greener.

J'aime Paris

2009-02-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! Just spent my first day in Paris and I am exhausted but I had the time of my life. I finally met up with Danielle (she missed her flight the previous day) and we had so much fun together, it was quite the reunion. We spent most the day walking the city ad the maze-like building of the Louvre. I am seriously falling in love with this city, I can see why everyone always speaks so highly of Paris. I took over a hundred pictures already. We strolled down the Champs Elyseus and took in the Arch de Triumph. Also, we went to the Orangerie Museum to experience some Monet, Matisse, and Cezanne. We are so tired now, after walking all day long. Can't wait to continue tomorrow!

Euro Trip 2009 has begun!

2009-02-22T02:09:00.000-08:00

After a very long flight, I have finally made it to Paris. Luckily my hotel in Paris has free internet so I will soon be able to chat with my parents via skype. The hotel Relais du Pre is super nice. The staff is super friendly and as I sit in the lobby the front desk monseur just brought me croissants and jam... "enough for the day." The hotel is one of 3 they have all on the block and as I was warmly greeted they said, "when you are here, you home!" All that's left for today is some people watching, exploring, and then meeting up with Danielle!

Ready to leave!

2009-02-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

It is the eve of my departure and I can hardly contain my excitement. My next entry will be from Paris!

HISA

2009-02-09T14:42:00.001-08:00

The program I am going through is called HISA which stands for Hellenic International Studies in the Arts. Here is there website: http://www.hellenicinternational.org. It is located on the island Paros and just outside the city Paroikia. I will be taking a variety of courses including digital photography, studio for interrelated media, literature, and Historical sites. The website explains about my program.

counting down the days

2009-02-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! Hopefully this will help my friends and family stay in touuch with me as I travel and study abroad over the next few months. I will be posting pictures and stories of my experiences in Greece over the next few months. 12 days until Paris...